1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 653 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
Because 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zeta | A |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2570 mm |
